Robert Howard Van Horn, 66, of Scotch Plains passed away on July 10, 2010, at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. There will be a Funeral Mass held at St. Helen's Church, 1600 Rahway Ave., Westfield, on Wednesday, July 14, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield. Visiting hours at Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood, located at 155 South Avenue, will be on Tuesday, July 13, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. For additional information or to express condolences, please visit www.fanwoodmemorial.com. Robert, affectionately known as Bob, was born to Robert and Miriam Van Horn in Plainfield, N.J. He was raised in Scotch Plains with his brother, Jack, and later chose to bring his own family back to the town where he spent his childhood. Bob served in the Army during the Vietnam War, beginning in April of 1965. After an eight-month tour in Thailand, he returned to the United States and served in the Army Reserve. He continued this service to his country until April of 1971. In June of 1971, he married his love, Kathleen Geary. They first settled in Plainfield and then moved to Westfield shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Kelly. After second daughter, Erin, arrived, the couple chose to move to back to their hometown, Scotch Plains, in 1980. Bob raised his family while working tirelessly as an independent plumbing and heating contractor. He served his community and volunteered countless off-the-clock hours to local churches and community facilities. Bob enjoyed golf, skiing, fishing, boating, and summer trips to the Jersey shore with his family. In 2001, Bob and Kathy were able to fulfill a lifelong dream and buy a home in Silver Beach that would be a vacation spot for their family and grandchildren for years to come. Known simply as "Gramps" by his grandchildren, Bob loved his family and lived to provide them with all he felt they deserved, and experiences he believed his children and grandchildren would forever treasure. Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 39 years, Kathy; his two daughters, Kelly Robertson and husband, Glen, and Erin Van Horn and fiance, David Bulger, along with his two beloved grandsons, William and Aidan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains or any charity of your own choosing.